PSALM 102[F][Psalm 102] A lament, one of the Penitential Psalms. The psalmist, experiencing psychological and bodily disintegration (Ps 102:4–12), cries out to God (Ps 102:1–3). In the Temple precincts where God has promised to be present, the psalmist recalls God’s venerable promises to save the poor (Ps 102:13–23). The final part (Ps 102:24–28) restates the original complaint and prayer, and emphasizes God’s eternity.Prayer in Time of Distress1021The prayer of one afflicted and wasting away whose anguish is poured out before the LORD.I2LORD, hear my prayer;let my cry come to you.3Do not hide your face from mein the day of my distress.Turn your ear to me;when I call, answer me quickly.4For my days vanish like smoke;my bones burn away as in a furnace.5My heart is withered, dried up like grass,too wasted to eat my food.6From my loud groaningI become just skin and bones.7I am like a desert owl,like an owl among the ruins.8I lie awake and moan,like a lone sparrow on the roof.9All day long my enemies taunt me;in their rage, they make my name a curse.[G][102:9] They make my name a curse: enemies use the psalmist’s name in phrases such as, “May you be as wretched as this person!”10I eat ashes like bread,mingle my drink with tears.11Because of your furious wrath,you lifted me up just to cast me down.12My days are like a lengthening shadow;I wither like the grass.II13But you, LORD, are enthroned forever;your renown is for all generations.14You will again show mercy to Zion;now is the time for pity;the appointed time has come.15Its stones are dear to your servants;its dust moves them to pity.16The nations shall fear your name, LORD,all the kings of the earth, your glory,17Once the LORD has rebuilt Zionand appeared in glory,18Heeding the plea of the lowly,not scorning their prayer.19Let this be written for the next generation,for a people not yet born,that they may praise the LORD:20[H][102:20–23] Both Ps 102:20–21 and Ps 102:22–23 depend on Ps 102:19.“The LORD looked down from the holy heights,viewed the earth from heaven,21To attend to the groaning of the prisoners,to release those doomed to die.”22Then the LORD’s name will be declared on Zion,his praise in Jerusalem,23When peoples and kingdoms gatherto serve the LORD.III24He has shattered my strength in mid–course,has cut short my days.25I plead, O my God,do not take me in the midst of my days.[I][102:25] In the midst of my days: when the normal span of life is but half completed, cf. Is 38:10; Jer 17:11.Your years last through all generations.26Of old you laid the earth’s foundations;the heavens are the work of your hands.27They perish, but you remain;they all wear out like a garment;Like clothing you change them and they are changed,28but you are the same, your years have no end.29May the children of your servants live on;may their descendants live in your presence.